Zhang Yimou today announced a partnership with Beijing-based production company Le Vision Pictures to make movies for theaters and the Internet. The long-term, exclusive deal puts to rest widespread speculation within the Chinese film industry about where Zhang – who oversaw the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics — would land after being courted by numerous companies. He had been seeking a new production and financing partner since a bitter falling-out nearly a year ago with his longtime friend and producer, Zhang Weiping, and Beijing New Picture Film Company.

Keshet International has entered into a joint venture with David Haslingden’s Northern Pictures to form Keshet Australia. The global distribution and production arm of Keshet Media Group and Australia’s Northern Pictures signed a joint venture to bring Keshet’s slate of scripted and unscripted formats to Australian and New Zealand. Under the deal, Northern will have the rights to over 50 Keshet International properties, to be produced in the territory under the Keshet Australia banner.